LUNAR LANDER MODULE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
2025 EXPLORATORY INTERNSHIP PROJECT
Opportunity and Overview for Interns
The project is focused on designing a standardized, modular lunar landing system remains highly relevant and innovative. While current industry efforts focus on modularity within specific programs or companies, there is a clear opportunity to explore a universally compatible system.
Modified Design Concept: Modular Lunar Landing Hardware System (MLLHS)
The goal is to develop a universal modular landing gear platform that can be affixed to a wide range of descent vehicles. It functions solely as the landing interface—providing shock absorption, terrain adaptability, tip-over prevention, and thermal shielding during touchdown on the lunar surface.
The following in its entirety is conceptual and intended to inspire development and design and potentially result in the fabrication of a 3d printed model.
Key Engineering Features
1. Universal Mounting Interface
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Adjustable attachment clamps and adapters
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Mounts to multiple vehicle body profiles (cylindrical, conical, boxy)
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Quick integration architecture for rapid mission deployment
2. Landing Legs (4-6 Deployable Units)
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Telescopic composite struts: carbon-fiber with titanium joints
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Multi-axis articulated feet: adapt to sloped or rocky terrain
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Honeycomb crush-core dampers: absorb vertical and lateral shock loads
3. Stability & Control
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Low CG design: leg extension geometry shifts CG downward
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Auto-leveling system: adjusts legs in real-time for uneven surfaces
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Lateral load sensors: warn and compensate for drift or slope slippage
4. Thermal & Dust Protection
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Heat-resistant leg shielding
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Teflon-coated footpads to repel lunar dust adhesion
5. Redundancy & Reliability
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Dual-mode leg deployment (pneumatic + spring failsafe)
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Real-time diagnostics for motor, lock, and strut pressure status
6. Electronics & Telemetry Integration
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Plug-in avionics board for feedback control
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Optional telemetry uplink for lander telemetry integration
Visual Description
Top View:
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Central circular mount ring
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Radial armature supports for legs
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Cabling harness routed to vehicle avionics interface
Side View:
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Deployed legs at ~60° angle from vertical
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Dampers visible at mid-leg junction
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Flat-bottomed feet with gripping pads and mini retractable claws
Applications
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Compatible with: SpaceX Starship HLS cargo modules, Blue Moon cargo pods, ispace delivery shells, custom university landers, etc.
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Optimized for payloads 200kg–12,000kg
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Reusable for multiple descents if undamaged
Use Case Scenario
A company has a pressurized lunar rover delivery vehicle with no landing capability. The MLLHS is attached to its frame. During descent, the vehicle's own engines handle de-orbit and final descent. The MLLHS ensures safe touchdown even on uneven mare or regolith-filled craters, adapting leg extension in real time and stabilizing the payload after contact.
Conceptual images and videos
Visualized with Sora (by OpenAI)
